Adults Therapists in Kitchener, ON

***ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS*** Recognizing you want help and reaching out for it takes courage and isn’t easy. I believe that we all do the best with what we know and when we know better we do better (Maya Angelou). When you are ready I would be honoured to be the one who helps you know and do better. My approach is client centered and I work with you where you are at, at your pace and on what you are ready to focus on. I also practice from a strength based and trauma informed perspective. I aim to provide a space to do this that is comfortable, open and free of any bias or judgement; where you feel respected and empowered.

What you see is what you get when you come to Dr. Kris for assessment, consultation or therapy. I am known for a no-nonsense approach. I have worked in a variety of systems (hospitals, school boards, and mental health facilities) so I am uniquely poised to help you navigate your child/adolescent's learning or mental health issue. Grownups also need help managing their own challenges and so I offer therapy to adults struggling with a variety of general life stressors as well as anxiety, depression and PTSD. I am trauma-informed and offer a variety of modalities.

I bring an enthusiastic and innovative approach to therapy. My role as a therapist is to create a safe and engaging space where clients can explore their own stories and discover their sense of hope within. I work with individuals, couples, and families. I have training and experience in working with adolescents, individuals who are on the autism spectrum, and people with special needs as well as their families and caregivers. Online video sessions are also available.

Living with a dark, stormy cloud over your head is no way to live. If your cloud is taking away from your personal life or career, you may feel burdened, alone or misunderstood. It doesn't have to be that way. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness Interventions relieve anxiety, depression & stress, restore confidence, develop effective family relationships, and unlock personal potential. The solutions to your problems might be closer than you think. Why wait?

Are you looking to create positive change in your life? Unsure how to navigate this terrain on your own? Do you want to be fully engaged in your life and relationships? The work we do together will help you cultivate meaning and make these changes. I work from a strengths-based perspective and believe that we all have within us the capacity to heal and thrive, far beyond what we often recognize. Engaging in the counselling process can be tremendously beneficial as we rediscover our own strength and resilience.

Humaira Amir received her Master of Counselling Psychology from the Adler School of Psychology. She has 19 years of counselling experience working with children, teens, adults , couples and families. Humaira is skilled in treating a variety of concerns, including but not limited to anxiety, depression, school refusal, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, parenting/co-parenting skills, relationship issues and anger management. She also has experience facilitating group programs for parenting and anger management.

*CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS* Are you facing an issue you need support with? Are you looking for a safe and affirmative environment to do that work? I specialize in creating that space for members of the LGBT2SQ+ community. Relying on my previous social work and psychotherapy training, I can support you in your therapy goals and building a strong and resilient relationship with self. I work with adults 18+ years old and I offer both in-person and virtual sessions. I bring a rich and eclectic approach to our work together. I can assist you get to the root of the issue, develop healthy boundaries, and be yourself again.

Practical, collaborative, brief therapy to help you create the life you want.

As a dedicated Psychotherapist, my background experience includes 21 years working with adjudicated individuals; outpatient therapist for at-risk youth populations; academic social worker; field supervisor and adjunct professor for graduate students; child centre clinical assistant director; private practice practitioner ( adults , adolescents) specializing in complex trauma; psychotherapist for marginalized populations that include refugee, asylum and human trafficking; and co-developer/founder of a global mental health Canadian charity (Mental Health Without Borders - www.mhwb.ca).

I understand and admire the courage it takes to reach out for support and am committed to respecting your time, effort, and trust. Our work together will be based upon transformational approaches that get to the root of the symptoms and concerns you are experiencing so that lasting change becomes possible. I believe our symptoms make perfect sense when they are better understood and, at one time, they served a helpful and protective purpose. Together, we will explore the unconscious learnings and narratives that are holding you back and find the meaningful growth you are looking for.

*Over 20 Years of Experience* I value working with individuals who are looking to grow and evolve into the healthiest version of themselves. If you are struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, chronic health issues, loneliness or any challenging life situation that you are unsure how to navigate on your own, know that you don't have to. I offer a safe, non-judgmental, and supportive environment for children, teenagers and adults . We all have strengths regardless of the struggles we experience and when working together we can evoke healthy, positive and sustainable change.

The counselling process is a dyadic relationship which provides the opportunity to identify the life challenges, define personal, emotional and behavioural problems and determine future goals. I would consider psychotherapy as an exciting learning process that helps with enhancement of emotional experiencing such as PTSD, anxiety, depression and adjustment problems. It promotes healthier lifestyle and provides support with achievement of life and career goals.

We offer individual, family and couples counselling. Our rates are on a sliding scale based on income. Every Thursday from noon-6pm we have a Walk In Counselling Clinic and anyone is welcome to walk in and see a therapist for up to 90 minutes without having an appointment. We offer multicultural counselling, LGBTQ2+ counselling, and counselling for older adults and their families. We can help with healing from violence and abuse and recovery after a motor vehicle accident. We work with foster, adoptive and kinship families to help enhance their relationships.

*Couples & Trauma Specialist* You may feel like you are having the same argument with your partner. Daily stress piles up and you grow further apart from one another, feeling tension and disconnect. You feel alone in your relationship. You feel frustrated, angry and hopeless, asking yourself what went wrong. You are tired of arguments and long for the love and emotional connection you felt at the beginning of your relationship. Most couples get stuck in a negative cycle and the cycle is the problem. Together we will untangle this stuck pattern and find the emotional connection, love, and peace that you want in your relationship.

Welcome adults , children and youth...and the relationships between..to address stress, anxiety, depression, family/life transition, grief, and inner and relational conflicts stemming from unresolved hurt, trauma and loss. I also welcome clients with diagnoses that affect social and academic learning and development, as well as parents looking for related consultation. It's my privilege to work with you to heal emotional, relational and physical suffering and help catalyze the unfolding of your strength and potential toward greater inner peace, confidence and the achievement of important life goals.

Each one of us has a need to be deeply heard. To be listened to in a space that is empathic, accepting and without judgment can be a life-changing experience. As a therapist, compassion and acceptance are foundational values for my work. You come with your own unique life story, influenced by your family of origin, adult relationships and experiences. By reflection and exploration, I help facilitate a therapeutic space which allows you to explore the deeper parts of your self and discover new possibilities. I believe each person has the innate wisdom to discover how they can flourish and thrive again.

Reaching out for help, especially from a stranger, is incredibly scary and courageous - the first step is often the hardest. I always feel honoured to join my clients on their journey to wellness and I welcome the opportunity to work with you. I am committed to working with you at your pace. My approach is down to earth and collaborative, always. I strive to maintain an emotionally safe and judgment free space so that you may feel respected and heard. I am extensively trained in trauma therapy and have participated in Phases 1, 2, 3, 4 and Masters level of Brainspotting, as well as the specialty Children and Adolescents training.

*** ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS *** I aim to create a safe and comfortable space that supports my client’s growth and leads to positive change and overall wellness. My priority is to treat each person with kindness and respect and allow them the space to share openly and be their authentic selves. I am known for my warm, empathetic, and non-judgmental approach and integrative therapy style that is collaborative and person-centered. I incorporate various modalities and interventions to meet my client’s needs, including Brainspotting, Narrative, Solution-Focused, CBT, Play-Based, Mindfulness-Based, and Trauma-Focused approaches.

COVID-19 has caused unprecedented measures including school shut downs and working from home. This has resulted in enormous stress on adults , children, teens, and parents. Whether you are worried about the state of the world, stressed out by juggling the demands of working and teaching your children, or are dealing with preexisting mental health concerns, we are here to help. I am the director of Kitchener Psychology Centre, a team of dedicated, caring psychologists and associates who are committed to quality care. We work from an evidenced based orientation and consult with you to determine goals and treatment plans.